Strictly Come Dancing fans in tears as BBC show pays tribute to 'much loved' stars
Strictly Come Dancing fans were moved during Saturday night's launch show as the programme delivered a heartfelt homage to beloved figures, including Dave Myers and Robin Windsor, who died this year.
The conclusion of the launch episode on September 14 featured poignant images of the former professional dancer Robin Windsor and Hairy Biker Dave Myers, a 2013 contestant, coupled with endearing memorials.
"In loving memory of Dave Myers 1957-2024 and Robin Windsor 1979-2024," read the inscription accompanying their cherished Strictly snapshots.
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Dave Myers passed away at 66 on February 28, surrounded by loved ones following his valiant fight with cancer. Meanwhile, Robin Windsor was tragically discovered deceased on February 19 at just 44 years old in a hotel chamber, reports the Mirror.
Fans immediately expressed their sentiments on X, previously known as Twitter, with one viewer writing: "Oh the dedications to Dave and Robin at the end" followed by several tearful emojis. Another commented: "Oh heck the Dave Myers and Robin Windsor tributes at the end took my breath away a bit."
A third echoed the sentiment: "Nice touch there at the end of #Strictly. Remembering Dave Myers and Robin Windsor."
And a fourth added: "Touching tribute to Dave Myers and Robin Windsor at the end of tonight's #Strictly I enjoyed the whole launch show."
Earlier, an emotional moment occurred when fans noticed an affectionate nod to the late Sir Bruce Forsyth during the opening segment of the 2024 series debut.
Before the 15 eager celebrities were partnered with their professional dancers, a vibrant ensemble performance featuring Dave Arch, Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman and all the judges kicked off as they joined this year's pro dancers.
In an evocative journey to BBC Television Centre, they arrived by bus - but not just any ordinary bus. This one carried a heartwarming tribute to the programmes former presenter, the late Sir Bruce.
This year marks two decades since the debut of Strictly on BBC One, originally presented by Tess and the beloved Sir Bruce from its inception in 2004. Despite the sad loss of Bruce in 2017, the BBC ensured his memory was honoured during the 20th-anniversary proceedings.
As Aljaz Skorjanec steered the bus into the studio, an emotionally charged tribute to Bruce in the form of the bus' number plate was observed by those at home, inducing tears among many.
Touched by the homage to Brucie, viewers took to social media: one commenter captured the sentiment with "#Strictly #Scd What a lovely nod to Sir Bruce Forsyth #Bus #Strictlycomedancing."
Another voiced their affection: "Loving the reg on the #Strictly bus, BRUCIE, never forgotten."
A sentiment echoed by another who didn't hide their emotions: "The tribute to Brucie on Strictly, nope not crying at all #Strictly," they admitted.
Yet another viewer remarked: "The Brucie licence plate on the bus has sent me already. I bloody love #Strictly."
Appreciation for the careful attention to detail was shared with a comment saying, "The Brucie numberplate. Nice touch #Strictly," Meanwhile, another fan expressed surprise and delight: "Omgg the bus is called Brucie #Strictly."